• 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 121  (3) , 1152-1156
Abstract
The effects of antisera directed against guinea pig Ia [immune response associated] antigens on the ability of TNP[trinitrophenyl]-conjugated macrophages to stimulate TNP-specific T [thymus-derived] lymphocyte proliferation were studied. Treatment of macrophages with anti-Ia sera for 1 h before, 1 h immediately after or 24 h after TNP-modification resulted in a reduced ability to stimulate the TNP-specific T cell. The inhibition produced by anti-Ia sera was specific and did not result from interference with the ability of macrophages to process TNP-conjugated membrane antigens in a nonspecific manner. Brief treatment with anti-Ia serum did not result in inhibition of Ia-antigen synthesis nor could evidence of carry-over of anti-Ia antibody into the lymphocyte cultures be obtained. Anti-Ia sera interfere with the development of a TNP-specific immunogen on the macrophage surface. An association probably exists between TNP-modified membrane proteins and Ia antigens on the macrophage surface.